Review Round-Up for 1/16/13

Welcome to the Review Round-Up! We here at Talking Comics release a lot of reviews every week, but sometimes a review can go unnoticed or get buried beneath all the news and other features we have on a weekly basis. That’s why we decided to gather all of our week’s reviews into one post and put it out there for you to enjoy.

DC Comics:

Batman #16-
Written by Scott Snyder, Art by Greg Capullo

“I don’t know how to put it any more clearly than this: Everyone should be reading this. This is the Joker in an all too familiar light, but at the same time so far from what I am used to that it feels brand new. Team Batman seems to be synched right now, and they are sitting on their comics throne just waiting for everyone to try and catch up to them. This is a must buy.”-David

“I read comics for fun, entertainment, and escapism; and Demon Knights #16 was able to provide all three of those criteria. A great start for new readers, as well as an intriguing next stage for those who have followed it from the beginning, I am happy to recommend this new era to anyone with an interest in a fantasy title. Because the Demon Knights are riding once again; and this time, hell is coming with them…literally.”-Sean

Frankenstein: Agent of S.H.A.D.E. #16-
Written by Matt Kindt, Art by Alberto Ponticelli

“Frankenstein Agent of S.H.A.D.E. has been a wonderful series and issue #16 does a fine job of honoring the series characters as the book comes to a close. Some readers might feel cheated by not having a few of their burning questions answered, but this is what happens when not enough people make the purchasing efforts of a book well worth the scratch. In my opinion, Frankenstein Agent of S.H.A.D.E. #16 is a mighty fine read and given the time that was allowed to bring this epic series to a close, is a damn good end.” –Steve

Threshold #1-
Written by Keith Giffen, Art by Tom Raney and Scott Kollins

“While this acted as a foundation issue, the next chapter or two will really make a determination on how this series looks to play out as Giffen starts detailing the characters themselves. This introduction though, was more than fun enough to warrant a second go around to give him the chance to do just that. Personally, I look forward to seeing where he goes from here!”-Sean

All New X-Men #6-
Written by Brian Michael Bendis, Art by David Marquez

“The art is lovely and the characterization fresh. Bendis is on a roll right now with the X-Men, especially when juggling his two iterations of my personal favorite Marvel character, Scott Summers. This review was spectacularly spoiler-free because each of the character developments in this issue deserve to be read with a clean slate. Check it out!”-Joey

“Issue 11 is the last issue in the arc, but Marvel sums up the events of the previous two for their readers on the first page. Anybody could jump in on this issue and fully enjoy it. If that’s not convincing enough, the humor element of Avengers Assemble is enough to earn your dollars. Buy it and share the code with a friend to get them hooked on this fun superhero series.”-Mara

“While I enjoy the flashbacks, I’m going to have to say that this one is a pass. Captain America is one of those books that doesn’t invoke a particularly strong emotional response with me. It is for that reason that I can’t honestly recommend you go and buy it. It is by no means a horrible book. In a world with so many awesome comics right now, Captain America just fails to stand out. If you are a big fan or Remender and Romita Jr., then please by all means check it out.”-Adam

“There is so much going on here, and I mean that in a good way. There is a lot of dialog, but it is meaningful. A lot of the foundation for New Avengers is being laid here. In issue #1 we got to see Black Panther kicking ass and taking names. In this issue we get to see another side of him. I never knew much about Black Panther (and didn’t really care about him before), but I can tell he is a bad-ass. I cannot wait to see what Hickman and team have in store for us. This should be an amazing ride. Get on the bus and grab a seat, Gump!”-Adam

“Punisher: Nightmare continues to be an incredibly intriguing read, especially now that Jake has shown his true colors as Johnny Nightmare. The action is more intense, the inner monologue is better handled (or at least there’s more diversity in who’s talking) and we’re finally getting to the core of who’s what and why. If you’ve been reading so far I see no reason to stop. If you haven’t, you’re going to be in for a treat when this is collected in trade. Definitely worth a read though.”–Travis

“By being a standalone comic that is a blast to read Frank Cho’s Savage Wolverine #1 rises above the din created by the gaggle of X- Men books. Its pulp sensibilities, interesting characters and gorgeous art make this title one every fan of Logan should be picking up.”-Bobby

“Unlike past issues of X-Factor which seemed geared towards recruiting new readers, issue #250 is clearly the culmination of over a year of stories. Still, while the returning characters and escalating plot threads might be missed by new readers, Peter David still imbues this issue with his trademark humor and four-colored expertise. So I’ll say I’m 97% BUY BUY BUY instead!”-Joey

“Buy it if you have been looking to see what Valiant has to offer. If you are a new reader this is an excellent jumping on point…It’s a short but relevant break from the current ongoing story. Issue #7 injects a much needed jolt of emotion into an already great comic. Be ready, though. It looks like we will be jumping straight back into the thick of it next ish.”-Adam

“I’m pleasantly surprised by another Image title that I knew nothing of coming into it. I guess I really shouldn’t be surprised any more seeing as how Image is the most consistent publisher in the business at the moment. Give Comeback a shot. I sat down and read all three issues back to back to back, and I want more—like, now.”-David

“Although I hope it’s not the case, a publication like this one may not be done again and whether you’re a reader, an artist, a writer or an editor, Creator-Owned Heroes will forever have value as a manual of sorts for finding success and satisfaction as an independent in the comics industry.”-Melissa

“Ex Sanguine is a decent, scary story with a not-too-cheesy relationship between death dealers. It’s not my favorite book to read right now, but if you’ve got the time and want to add some more to your reading stack, this book is worth checking out.”-Melissa

About The Author

The resident news guy of Talking Comics. When he's not posting the news, Travis can be found at your local comedy club doing stand-up, ranting on his Twitter @TravisMcCollum or posting video game videos on his YouTube channel xTJMac510x.

4 Responses

I totally agree. Batman has been consistently brilliant since the beginning and this Death in the Family arc has been great for the series. I may not love ALL of the tie-in issues, but as a whole the event is awesome.

For me personally it was Captain Marvel, but New Avengers IS quickly becoming one of my favorite Marvel NOW titles. I love when Hickman tackles science (FF, Fantastic Four, Manhattan Project) so a science based team book is an awesome concept to me.

Personally I’m just glad to see such quality work being released across the board. Sure there are some stinkers still (looking at you Freelancers!), but there are ton of great titles coming out every week and it makes me proud to be a comic fan.